I'm planning a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles in my 2015 Honda CR-V, and I'm trying to maximize my fuel efficiency to save money. I've heard conflicting advice about things like optimal highway speed, tire pressure, and using cruise control. My car is well-maintained, but it's not a hybrid. For those who have done long highway drives in similar vehicles, what practical driving habits and pre-trip checks made the most noticeable difference in your actual miles per gallon? I'm not looking for hypermiling extremes, just proven tips for getting the best real-world economy on the interstate.
Baseline around 60 mph on highways works well for many non-hybrids. Each 5 mph over that can shave a few mpg. Keep cold tires inflated to the door sticker spec and remove any roof racks or top gear when you aren’t using them.
Before you roll, do a quick check: oil and coolant at the right levels, lights functioning, tires inflated cold to spec. Lighten the load, keep luggage inside, and turn off extra accessories you don’t need. If you have ECON mode, use it on the highway to soften throttle and curb A/C draw; let cruise control handle steady speed on flat sections.
From long drives in a 2015 CR‑V, I noticed the biggest gains from a steady cruise rather than sprinting up hills. I aim for 58–62 mph when safe, then stretch legs with planned stops. Headwinds and big climbs still hurt, so you’ll see mpg dip on windy days.
Aero matters more than you think. Roof racks and cargo big boxes kill efficiency. If you must carry gear, stash as much as possible inside and keep windows closed at highway speeds; recirculated air saves more than you’d expect on a long road.
Driving technique matters a lot: gentle accelerations, anticipate traffic so you’re not stopping and starting, and use light throttle—no aggressive bursts. Idling vs turning off the engine at long stops? If you’re parked, turn it off; if it’s a brief stop, idling is not a huge hit but you’ll save more by turning off.
Plan your trip with two or three route options that vary in terrain and wind exposure. Track your actual mpg so you can see what patterns matter (speed, load, route). With a little data, you’ll know whether to push speed or take a more scenic, flatter route to save fuel.